Jan.  22,  J841, 


March  18,  1874. 


BY 

MRS.  SOPHIA  BRONSON  TITTERINGTON. 


/ 

“■  They  have  but  left  our  weary  ways- 

To  live  in  memory'here,  in  heaven  by  love  and  praise.” 


CHICAGO 


WOMAN’S  BAPTIST  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY, 


OF  THE  WEST. 

1882, 


## 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SERIES  No.  3. 


\ 


Jan.  22,  1841. 


March  18,  1874. 


BY 

MRS.  SOPHIA  BRONSON  TITTERINGTON. 


u  They  have  but  left  our  weary  ways 

To  live  in  memory  here,  in  heaven  by  love  and  praise.” 


CHICAGO  : 

WOMAN'S  BAPTIST  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY, 

OF  THE  WEST. 

1882. 


James  Guilbert,  Printer. 


MARIA  BRONSON 


The  Assam  valley  might  in  all  justice  be  called  the  “Para¬ 
dise  of  India.”  The  plains  of  Bengal  are  flat  and  arid,  while 
this  beautiful  valley  through  which  flows  the  Brahmaputra 
river,  is  clothed  with  perpetual  verdure. 

The  province  of  Assam  lies  south-east  of  the  Himalaya  range. 
The  course  of  the  river,  after  breaking  through  its  lofty 
mountain  barrier,  determines  the  direction  of  the  valley. 
Ranges  of  hills  bound  this  plain,  running  parallel  with  the 
river,  forming  the  boundaries  on  the  north-west  and  south¬ 
east.  These  hills  are  inhabited  by  many  warlike  tribes,  as  the 
Garos,  Mikirs,  Nagas  and  others,  all  of  which  present  a  grand 
field  for  missionary  labor.  The  approach  to  Assam  is  thus 
well  described:  “It  is  reached  from  Calcutta,  the  nearest 
sea-port  by  ascending  the  Ganges  a  short  distance,  and  its 
tributary  the  Brahmaputra.  Nearing  Assam,  distant  hills  are 
to  be  seen.  They  become  more  frequent  and  closely  grouped, 
till,  as  you  enter  the  valley,  you  pass  through  a  gateway  of 
rocky,  high  hills,  beautifully  covered  with  tropic  verdure, 
wild  and  romantic  in  the  extreme,  and  continuing  like  bul¬ 
warks  each  side  of  the  deep  and  rapid  stream.” 

Going  up  the  river  past  native  villages  and  English  stations, 
we  come  at  last  to  Jaipur,  which  is  situated  in  the  Northern 


4 


part  of  the  province,  almost  beneath  the  shadow  of  the  Hima¬ 
laya.  Here,  at  this  wild  lonely  station,  Jan.  22nd,  1841,  was 
born  Maria  Bronson,  second  daughter  of  Miles  and  Ruth 
Montague  Bronson.  Soon  after  her  birth  the  family  removed 
to  Nowgong,  a  station  in  central  Assam,  situated  on  the  Kul- 
lung  river,  a  branch  of  the  Brahmaputra. 

Around  the  old  Nowgong  home  the  sweetest  associations 
linger.  One  by  one,  little  children  came  to  brighten  the  exile 
of  the  parents,  till  six  daughters  filled  the  mission  bungalow 
with  music  and  sunshine. 

For  seven  years  Maria  remained  with  her  parents  in  India. 
Very  few  traces  are  left  of  those  early  years.  Her  older  sister 
remembers  the  missionary  spirit  she  shewed  even  then.  Old 
native  women,  still  living  in  Nowgong  often  speak  of  “Maria 
Baba,”  and  the  sympathy  she  manifested  for  the  degraded 
heathen  around  her.  Often  she  asked  permission  to  give  her 
own  little  dresses  to  clothe  the  poor,  naked  children,  whom 
she  used  to  gather  about  her,  and  teach  of  the  one  true  God, 
and  have  them  learn  the  Catechism,  and  recite  it  to  her. 
Soon  came  to  these  parents  the  duty  which  constitutes 
the  great  trial  of  Missionary  service.  More  than  the  exile 
from  home  and  native  land,  is  the  stern  necessity  of  sending 
away  from  them  their  darling  children.  Oh,  the  agony  of  the 
mother’s  heart.  But  the  children  cannot  be  reared  in  that 
climate,  in  either  physical  or  moral  health,  so  the  sacrifice 
must  be  made,  though  the  hearts  of  the  parents  are  nigh  to 
breaking! 

In  the  year  1849  when  Maria  was  eight  years  old,  the 
father  and  mother  took  five  of  the  little  band  of  daughters  and 
brought  them  to  their  native  land.  The  youngest,  a  lovely 


5 


child  of  eighteen  months,  was  of  too  tender  an  age  to  be  ex¬ 
posed  to  the  hardships  and  privations  of  the  long  sea  voyage, 
so  she  was  left  behind  in  the  loving  care  of  dear  missionary 
associates.  The  good  shepherd  took  the  little  lamb  to  his  own 
fold  during  the  parents’  absence. 

The  voyage  homeward  was  a  formidable  undertaking  with 
five  restless  little  children,  the  oldest  only  ten  years  of  age. 
It  was  long  and  tedious,  and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bronson  went  on 
shore  at  Boston,  with  their  charge,  thankful  that  they 
had  been  permitted  to  cross  the  ocean  in  safety.  Once  in 
America,  the  burden  of  the  parents  hearts  was  a  what  shall 
be  done  with  the  children?”  They  committed  this,  with  all 
their  other  anxieties,  to  their  Father  in  heaven.  Pleasant 
Christian  homes  opened  their  doors  for  each  of  the  little  ones, 
with  one  exception.  The  right  place  not  offering  itself  for 
their  fourth  daughter  Hattie,  they  took  her  back  to  India  with 
them.  Maria  and  her  sister  Lizzie  were  privileged  to  find  a 
home  together.  A  Christian  lady,  to  whom  had  been  denied 
the  gift  of  children  of  her  own,  lavished  upon  them  the  love 
and  devotion  of  her  generous  heart.  The  name  of  Mrs.  Davis 
Cotes,  of  Springfield,  N.  Y.  will  ever  be  held  in  loving  grate¬ 
ful  remembrance  by  many  for  the  service  she  did  for  Christ 
and  the  cause  of  missions.  At  this  time  she  was  principal  of 
the  flourishing  school,  known  as  “  Locust  Hill  Female  Semi¬ 
nary”  in  Springfield.  The  free  advantages  of  this  school 
were  open  to  Maria  and  her  sister.  After  a  time  it  was  closed 
on  account  of  Mr.  Cotes’  failing  health,  but  the  education  of 
the  sisters  went  on  without  interruption.  Mrs.  Cotes  was 
possessed  of  ample  means  which  were  freely  expended  for  the 
benefit  of  her  adopted  daughters.  Governesses  were  provided 


6 


at  home,  and  at  one  time  they  attended  for  a  few  terms  the 
“Cherry  Valley  Female  Seminary”  an  institution  ten  miles 
from  Springfield.  Maria’s  journal  kept  through  these  years 
containing  a  faithful  record  of  her  life,  and  sent  monthly  to  her 
parents  in  India,  gives  us  glimpses  of  an  energetic,  positive 
character,  and  of  a  strength  of  will  which  often  gave  cause  for 
repentence,  but,  which  under  the  wise  control  of  her  foster- 
mother,  added  to  the  race  efficiency  of  later  years.* 

When  sufficiently  advanced  to  pass  the  examinations  at  Mt. 
Holyoke  Seminary,  Maria  and  her  sister  went  there  hoping  to 
take  the  entire  course.  They  were  ambitious,  and  like  too 
many  others,  the  system  prevailing  there  was  too  much  for 
their  strength  and  endurance.  Maria’s  school  days  ended  with 
a  long  and  dangerous  illness,  during  which  her  friends  des¬ 
paired  of  her  life,  while  her  sister,  whose  history  during  these 
years  seems  so  closely  entwined  with  hers,  as  hardly  to  be 
separated  from  it,  struggled  along  with  failing  strength,  until 
she  too  left  school  to  be  a  life-long  invalid.  Anxious  to  com- 


*Soon  after  finding  a  home  at  Springfield,  Maria  and  Lizzie  were  converted  and  united 
with  the  Presbyterian  Church,  of  which  their  foster-parents  were  members.  From  the 
first,  Maria’s  religious  life  seemed  to  be  of  an  active  rather  than  a  meditative  type.  As 
one  has  aptly  said  in  reference  to  her,  she  shewed  her  “  faith  by  her  works.”  Her 
journal  shows  her  to  have  been  conscientious  and  highly  appreciative  of  the  loving  care 
and  training  bestowed  upon  her. 

A  few  words  will  explain  a  matter  which  has  puzzled  many.  Maria’s  name,  especially 
in  her  private  correspondence  often  appears  as  Maria  Bronson  Cotes,  and  it  is  so  given 
upon  her  tomb-stone.  The  facts  in  the  case  are  these: — Mrs.  Cotes  adopted  the  girls 
legally,  thus  giving  them  a  right  to  her  name,  that  in  the  case  of  her  sudden  death,  they 
should  not  be  left  unprovided  for.  Their  jtvn  name  was  by  no  means  given  up,  but  the 
name  of  Cotes  was  added.  When  Maria  accompanied  her  father  back  to  India,  under 
appointment  from  the  Missionary  Union,  she  was  known  under  the  name  of  Bronson,  as 
was  natural  under  the  circumstances.  Yet,  as  has  been  said,  her  love  and  gratitude  to 
her  foster-mother  led  her  to  retain  her  name  as  far  as  possible,  and  so  we  frequently  find 
the  full  signature  in  letters  to  family  and  personal  friends. 

In  1855,  Mrs.  Bronson  returned  to  America, bringing  her  daughter  Harriette,  and  Mrs. 
Cotes  had  taken  this  child  also  into  her  heart  and  home,  so  that  three  of  the  sisters  were 
sheltered  in  one  Christian  household.  The  children  were  permitted  to  greet  both  parents 
a  few  years  later,  when  failing  health  drove  them  from  the  field  at  the  time  of  the  Sepoy 
rebellion,  and  pleasant  gatherings  were  held  at  their  temporary  home  at  Hamilton, 
N.  Y. 


7 


plete  the  course  she  did  not  complain  until  the  mischief  was 
beyond  repair.  Her  dear  foster-mother  spared  no  means 
necessary  to  restore  the  lost  health,  while  Maria  to  whom  the 
care  of  the  sick  seemed  a  special  gift  watched  over  her  suffer¬ 
ing  sister  with  the  tenderest  care. 

Maria’s  intellectual  endowments  were  above  the  medium, 
still  her  bent  was  practical  rather  than  purely  intellectual  and 
scholarly.  She  belonged  to  the  New- England  type  of 
efficient,  clear-headed  women,  whose  energy  and  executive 
ability  must  find  a  tangible  outlet.  This  very  trait  made  her 
the  missionary  that  she  was.  She  was  quick  to  plan,  equally 
ready  to  execute. 

About  the  year  1863,  Maria  went  to  Lawrence,  Mass.,  to 
visit  the  family  of  her  eldest  sister.  While  here  her  lungs 
having  been  troublesome  with  tendency  to  cough,  she  entered 
the  school  of  u  Physical  Culture,”  in  Boston,  under  the  charge 
of  Dr.  Dio  Lewis,  and  took  a  course  of  his  “  Light  Gymnas¬ 
tics.”  This  proved  of  great  benefit  to  her  physically,  and  after 
graduating  in  one  of  the  normal  classes,  she  and  her  youngest 
sister,  who  had  previously  taken  the  same  course,  went  to 
Auburn,  N.  Y.,  to  teach  gymnastic  classes.  They  met  with 
good  success  during  their  stay,  and  Maria,  as  usual,  made 
many  warm  friends.  She  had  a  singularly  winning  manner, 
which  never  failed  to  attract  those  around  her,  and  usually  a 
friendship  once  made  was  life-long. 

Soon  after  this  time,  the  shadow  of  a  great  sorrow  fell  upon 
her  life,  and  her  health,  both  physical  and  mental,  suffered  in 
consequence.  Pier  friends  watched  her  with  solicitude,  fearing 
that  the  old  energy  and  strength  would  never  return.  Every¬ 
thing  that  love  could  procure  was  lavished  upon  her,  and  at 


8 


last  Maria  began  to  rally.  Her  return  to  health  was  not  rapid, 
but  it  was  sure,  and  once  more  she  was  her  old  self,  except 
that  the  busy  brain  planned  more  eagerly  and  the  hands  were 
more  restless  in  their  activity. 

In  1868  the  glad  news  came  that  thebeloved  parents  were 
again  on  their  way  home.  This  was  to  be  the  last  home  coming 
for  the  precious  mother,  for  she  soon  entered  the  heavenly 
home.  Dr.  Bronson’s  health  was  in  a  very  precarious  con¬ 
dition,  and  his  life  depended  on  an  immediate  change  of 
climate.  During  the  trip  from  Calcutta  to  London  he  im¬ 
proved  rapidly,  and  Mrs.  Bronson’s  health  was  unusually 
good.  But  sad  times  awaited  them.  One  morning  on  the 
voyage,  Mrs.  Bronson  was  violently  thrown  from  a  couch  in 
the  upper  cabin,  which  fall  broke  the  hip-bone,  and  inflicted 
other  injuries.  The  poor  sufferer  was  carried  to  her  berth  and 
the  rest  of  the  journey  was  passed  in  agony.  The  lurching 
of  the  steamer  would  undo  all  the  work  of  bandaging  and 
placing  the  limb,  so  that  no  relief  could  be  obtained  before 
reaching  New  York.  Once  there,  the  best  medical  aid  was 
procured,  so  that  in  a  few  weeks  she  was  able  to  be  taken  to 
Springfield,  N.  Y.,  to  her  anxiously  waiting  children. 

The  mother’s  heart,  for  so  many  years  repressed  in  its  long¬ 
ings,  cried  out  to  have  her  children  all  about  her  once  more. 
So  it  was  arranged  that  all  should  meet  at  Chicago,  at  the 
home  of  Mrs.  Tolman,  the  eldest  sister,  and  spend  the  winter 
together. 

This  plan  was  carried  out,  but  the  joy  of  being  together 
was  tempered  with  dark  shadows  of  coming  sorrow.  The 
beloved  mother  was  slowly,  but  surely  Aiding  away.  The 
shock  to  her  system  from  the  accident  on  the  homeward 


9 


journey  was  too  great,  and  a  terrible  wasting  disease  took 
possession  of  her  frame.  It  was  pitiful  to  see  her  look  around 
upon  her  daughters,  whom  she  had  given  up  when  little 
children,  now  grown  to  womanhood  without  her  loving 
watch-care,  and  to  hear  her  say,  u  My  life  has  been  one  long 
hunger  for  my  children.  God  helped  me,  else  I  should  have 
died  long  ago!” 

There  was  almost  more  sorrow  than  joy  mingled  with  that 
winter’s  reunion.  The  dear  invalid  sister  was  stricken  down 
with  brain-fever,  went  down  to  the  river’s  very  edge,  and  even 
dipped  her  foot  in  its  cold  waters;  then  came,  oh,  so  slowly, 
back  to  life  and  consciousness  again.  Then  the  mother’s 
constant  suffering,  as  the  clay  tenement  wasted  away,  was 
agony  to  the  watching  ones  who  loved  her. 

During  the.  fall  and  early  winter,  Maria  and  her  youngest 
sister  taught  a  select  school  in  the  south  part  of  the  city,  also  a 
private  class  in  gymnastics.  Her  energy  and  perseverance 
were  strongly  displayed  in  this  enterprise,  overcoming 
obstacles  that  to  many  would  have  been  insuperable.  Her 
mother’s  health  failed  so  rapidly,  that  after  a  while,  all  outside 
work  was  necessarily  given  up,  that  she  might  take  her  place 
by  the  bedside  as  nurse  and  chief  caretaker  to  the  dear  one,  a 
task  for  which  she  was  peculiarly  fitted. 

It  was  during  this  winter,  before  the  hope  of  her  mother’s 
ultimate  recovery  was  given  up,  that  she  decided  to  return  to 
India  with  them,  and  take  up  mission  work  as  the  work  of  her 
life.  With  the  delusion  of  disease,  Mrs.  Bronson  thought  she 
would  be  able  to  return  to  Assam  the  next  fall;  and  talked 
much  of  the  happiness  it  would  be  to  have  Maria  with  them. 
She  clung  to  this  hope  to  the  very  last,  and  no  one  had  the 
heart  to  tell  her  it  could  never  be. 


IO 


While  in  Chicago,  Maria  and  her  sister  Hattie,  were  bap¬ 
tized  by  their  father  into  the  fellowship  of  the  First  Baptist 
Church  of  that  city.  It  will  be  remembered  that  Mrs.  Cotes 
being  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  her  adopted 
daughters  had  joined  that  organization.  Maria  retained  her 
membership  with  the  first  church  until  her  death,  and  always 
regarded  it  with  the  deepest  affection. 

In  the  spring  of  1869,  there  was  a  breaking  up  of  the  family 
circle,  united  after  so  many,  many  years  of  separation.  The 
youngest  daughter,  Sophie,  was  married,  going  to  her  new 
home  in  the  west,  after  which,  Dr.  Bronson,  accompanied  by 
Maria,  took  his  wife  to  her  early  home  in  Central  New  York, 
the  other  girls  went  back  to  the  dear  Springfield  home,  leav¬ 
ing  Mrs.  Tolman  once  more  alone  with  her  own  family.  Mrs. 
Bronson’s  health  still  failing  rapidly.  She  was  taken  to  the 
Water  Cure  at  Elmira,  N.  Y.,  with  Maria  still  her  faithful, 
devoted  nurse  and  care  taker.  Everything  that  love  and 
medical  skill  could  suggest,  was  done,  but  the  lamp  of  life 
flickered  for  a  while  in  its  socket,  then  went  out  forever.  To 
the  last  her  heart  was  with  the  dear  mission.  Among  her 
parting  words  to  her  husband  were  these:  “Hasten  back  to 
our  loved  work.  I  will  be  thy  guardian  angel,  and  await  thee 
at  the  pearly  gate.”  Maria’s  tender  ministrations  were  an  in¬ 
expressible  comfort  to  her,  so  long  deprived  of  the  companion¬ 
ship  of  her  children.  The  pet  name  “  Mitie,”  used  in  the  long 
ago  childhood,  was  oftenest  on  her  lips. 

An  extract  from  Maria’s  journal,  written  at  this  time,  will 
show  the  depth  of  love  and  devotion  in  her  heart,  for  her 
sainted  mother.  The  date  is  SejDt.  30th,  1869. 

“About  seven  o’clock  this  evening,  darling  mamma  passed  away  to 
the  spirit  land.  O,  what  months  of  suffering  have  been  hers’.  Since 


II 


May  I  have  been  with  her  almost  constantly.  She  sighed  for  rest.  God 
has  given  it  to  her,  the  “Rest  that  remaineth  for  the  people  of  God !” 
When  I  found  she  would  never  speak  to  me  again,  I  never  could  do  any¬ 
thing  more  for  her,  my  heart  was  almost  broken.  Dear  Saviour,  comfort 
dear  papa!  Dear,  sainted  mamma! ” 

The  precious  remains  of  the  dear  mother  were  taken  to  her 
native  village  of  Madison,  N.  Y.,  for  burial.  The  emaciated, 
suffering  look  passed  away  from  her  face,  after  the  death  angel 
had  set  his  seal  upon  it.  The  lost  youth  and  beauty  came 
back,  and  an  expression  of  such  perfect  peace,  that  all  who 
looked  upon  her  in  the  flower-laden  casket,  felt  that  God  had 
indeed  given  “  to  His  beloved,  sleep!” 

After  the  funeral,  Maria’s  heart  and  hands  were  full  with 
the  preparations  for  an  early  departure  of  herself  and  father 
for  India.  Two  were  to  go  in  a  lonely  path  when  there  were 
to  have  been  three,  but  one  had  been  called  by  the  Master  to 
exchange  the  earthly  toil  for  the  heavenly  crown.  Maria  felt 
that  she  had  an  especial  work  to  do,  in  being  the  companion 
and  support  of  her  bereaved  father,  and  nobly  did  she  fulfill 
her  mission.  A  month  after  Mrs.  Bronson’s  funeral,  Dr. 
Bronson  and  Maria  went  to  St.  Louis  to  attend  the  anniver¬ 
saries.  Before  this  time  all  missionaries  had  been  sent  to 
India  by  the  old  route  on  sailing  vessels.  It  was  proposed  at 
this  meeting  that  funds  be  raised  to  send  these  two  by  the 
overland  route,  as  being  more  comfortable  and  expeditious. 

We  find  the  following  record  in  Maria’s  journal: 

“The  pleasant  thing  of  all  was  Mr.  Jacob’s  interest  in  our  going  over¬ 
land  to  India.  Through  him  nearly  the  extra  amount  needed  was  raised. 
Our  Fatner  does  care  for  us,  and  we  are  saved  the  long  way  by  the  cape, 
and  shall  reach  Assam  three  months  earlier.” 

From  St.  Louis  Maria  returned  to  Chicago  for  the  final 
leave  taking  from  dear  friends  there.  On  the  evening  of 


12 


Nov.  23, after  a  precious,  never-to-be-forgotten  farewell  service, 
our  travellers  turned  their  faces  toward  New  York.  In  a 
letter  written  the  evening  before  taking  ship,  to  her  brother- 
in-law,  she  writes: 

“To-morrow  noon  we  are  to  be  on  board  the  Nevada,  which  will  bear 
us  away  from  all  we  hold  dear.  But  it  is  a  comfort  to  know  that  it  will 
not  take  us  away  from  our  precious  Saviour.  Me  has  seemed  doubly 
near  these  last  days  of  trial.  O,  it  is  sweet  to  live  for  Jesus!  I  am  glad 
I  can  serve  Him,  and  not  this  wicked  world.  Pray  earnestly  for  your 
absent  sister,  that  she  may  ever  be  faithful.  Our  meeting  hereafter  will 
be  made  all  the  more  precious  by  the  long  separation.  God  bless  my 
dear  brother!  Good  bye.” 

They  sailed  from  New  York,  in  the  steamship  u  Nevada,” 
Capt.  Green,  Dec.  15th,  1S69.  We  can  imagine  how  much 
was  crowded  into  that  last  week,  although  she  has  kept  no 
record  of  it.  She  was  very  seasick  for  some  days,  so  that  the 
first  entry  we  find  in  her  ship  journal  is  dated  Dec.  25th.  She 
thus  introduces  us  to  her  new  life: 

“We  left  New  York  at  two  o’clock,  Dec.  15th,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cross, 
with  dear  papa  ai  d  myself,  compose  our  missionary  circle.  There  are 
fifteen  passengers  with  ourselves,  most  of  them  very  delightful  people. 
There  are  only  five  ladies.  Fortunately,  we  are  all  very  good  friends. 
*  *  *  Last  eve,  saw  the  light  oft'  Cape  Clear,  and  to-day  have  seen 

the  dim  outline  of  the  Irish  coast.” 

She  relates  the  events  of  the  journey  with  a  clear  minute¬ 
ness  that  makes  the  entire  trip  stand  out  with  peculiar  vivid¬ 
ness.  The  party,  after  making  a  short  stop  in  Liverpool, 
went  to  London,  Dec.  27th,  where  they  made  a  stay  of  several 
weeks,  to  make  purchases  for  outfit,  etc.  Dr.  Bronson  had 
dear  friends  residing  here,  some  of  them  old  India  acquaint¬ 
ances,  and  Maria  found  association  with  them  very  delightful. 
The  party  had  some  opportunities  for  sight-seeing  in  this 
great  city,  of  which  Maria  gives  graphic  discription. 


i3 


Jan.  ist,  1S70.  She  writes: 

“  It  seems  almost  sad  to  spend  this  first  day  of  the  New-Year  in  a 
strange  land,  so  far  away  from  those  we  love,  but  so  it  is.  Our  hearts 
are  full  of  gratitude  when  we  remember  how  we  have  been  carried  safely 
across  the  mighty  deep.  Yes,  many  things  fill  me  with  thankfulness, 
one  especially,  that  one  so  sinful,  so  unworthy,  should  be  permitted  to 
carry  the  glad  tidings  of  salvation  to  a  benighted  people.  May  this  New- 
Year  be  the  most  devoted  of  my  whole  life  to  my  Master’s  work !  O, 
that  many  sheaves  may  be  gathered — that  a  glorious  harvest  may  be 
reaped  for  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  It  is  a  privilege  to  be  with  dear  papa. 
The  old  year  took  our  precious  mamma  from  us,  but  ‘our  loss  is  her 
eternal  gain.’  ” 

The  missionary  company  left  London  Jan.  loth  for  Calais, 
experincing  the  usual  discomforts  in  crossing  the  English 
Channel.  The  next  day  they  went  on  to  Paris.  Plere  they 
found  some  old  American  friends,  and  enjoyed  their  week’s 
stay  in  the  brilliant  French  capital  exceedingly.  Jan.  14th, 
they  were  once  more  on  their  way,  crossing  France  by  rail  to 
Marseilles.  /Jan.  22nd,  was  Maria’s  birthday,  and  we  find  this 
entry  in  her  journal. 

“My  birthday  !  Just  one  year  ago,  our  precious  mamma  was  with  us- 
Little  did  I  thinkthen  that  dear  papa  and  I  would  now  be  on  our  way  to  our 
Indian  home  without  her.  O,  how  I  loved  her,  and  how  sadly  I  miss 
her,  but  God  knows  best.  She  has  borne  her  cross  and  now  is  wearing 
a  fadeless  crown.  May  God  help  me  to  be  His  faithful  follower  that  we 
may  at  last  meet  in  heaven.  I  believe  we  shall  know  each  other  there! 
O,  the  influence  such  parents  leave  behind  them! 

‘  This  has  certainly  been  a  most  eventful  birthday. 

“  We  had  rather  a  hard  night,  as  we  found  nothing  like  the  delightful 
accommodations  of  our  American  sleeping  cars.  Found  it  difficult  to 
keep  warm,  notwithstanding  our  many  wraps,  and  the  hot  tins  at  our 
feet,  for  it  was  a  very  frosty  night,  I  was  glad  wdien  morning  dawned 
upon  us,  and  we  could  enjoy  the  country.  The  numerous  towns  we 
passed  looked  very  strange — such  odd-looking  houses  and  people! 
Apple-orchards  were  abundant,  and  most  of  the  trees,  as  we  neared  Mar¬ 
seilles,  were  covered  with  foliage,  reminding  us  we  were  fleeing  from 
stern  winter.  I  was  glad  to  arrive  at  Marseilles,  which  was  near  noon. 
We  took  our  baggage  directly  to  our  S.  S.  “  Poonah,”  Capt.  Hazelwood. 
We  were  delighted  with  our  vessel.  It  is  very  large,  and  our  staterooms 
are  pleasant  for  a  steamer.  ****** 


H 


“  It  was  pleasant  to  be  on  board  ship,  and  have  no  motion  to  tire  one’s 
head.  Yes,  I  felt  happv  and  thankful  all  the  evening,  happy,  that  my 
Heavenly  Father  was  permitting  me  to  go  on  a  mission  of  love  to  the 
perishing  heathen,  and  thankful,  that  we  had  thus  far  been  brought  safely 
on  our  way.” 

* 

We  now  see  our  travellers  embarked  on  the  Mediterraniaa 
Sea,  their  faces  turned  toward  the  Orient,  where  lay  the  land 
of  their  desire.  For  two  or  three  days  they  experienced  very 
rough  weather.  Then,  a  smoother  sea  brought  relief.  Under 
date  of  Jan.  25th,  Maria  thus  describes  a  pleasant  episode  of 
the  journey : 

“Very  early  this  morning,  we  passed  Stromboli.  The  Captain  told  us 
he  saw  smoke  and  fire  issuing  from  it.  I  regretted  missing  the  sight. 
Soon  after  breakfast,  I  was  out  on  deck,  enjoying  the  island  of  Sicily  on 
one  side,  and  Italy  on  the  other.  It  was  a  glorious  sight.  We  were  near 
enough  to  see  the  houses,  and  orange  trees,  covered  with  luxuriant  foli¬ 
age.  I  enjoyed  it  all  so  much.  We  saw  the  base  of  Mt.  JEtna,  a  mist 
nearly  obscured  the  distant  peaks.  What  was  most  beautiful  of  all,  as 
we  were  passing  through  the  Straits,  a  most  perfect  rainbow  nearly 
arched  the  waters,  lasting  for  some  moments.  O,  this  bow  of  promise! 
I  believe  it  is  always  a  comfort  to  God’s  believing  ones.  I  felt  it  was  a 
renewed  assurance  that  He  would  be  with  us,  and  bring  us  safely  to  our 
journey’s  end.” 

Jan.  28th,  she  writes: 

“About  eight  this  morning,  we  arrived  in  Alexandria — not  a  very 
attractive  looking  place,  so  low  and  sandy.  We  had  some  difficulty  with 
the  Egyptians.  Quite  a  quarrel  ensued  which  boat  should  be  taken  by 
our  party,  till  they  all  seized  upon  our  baggage,  and  had  to  be  brought  to 
order  by  the  officers  of  our  ship.  I  now  realize  more  than  ever  that  we 
are  fast  leaving  an  enlightened  country,  and  going  farther  and  farther 
into  lands  whose  people  are  sitting  in  darkness.  Nothing,  like  such 
scenes  as  we  witness  here,  can  lead  us  to  lift  up  hearts  of  gratitude  that 
we  have  had  the  blessed  Bible  to  be  ‘a  lamp  unto  our  feet,  and  a  guide 
unto  our  path.’  ” 

The  entire  record  of  their  sight  seeing  in  Alexandria,  is  ex¬ 
ceedingly  fascinating  in  its  vividness  of  description.  They 
visited  “Pompey’s  Pillar,”  and  many  other  Egyptian  wonders. 


But  the  true  missionary  spirit  so  filled  her  soul,  that  even  the 
world  renowned  ruins  that  lay  all  around  them,  could  not 
make  her  forget  that  God’s  noblest  creation — human  souls — 
were  perishing  in  eternal  ruin.  She  writes: 

“  As  we  rode  through  the  native  portion  of  the  city,  and  saw  the  utter 
degradation  of  the  people,  especially  the  women ,  my  heart  ached  for  them, 
and  I  longed  that  the  blessed  gospel  might  find  a  hold  in  this  dark  land. 

*  *  *  *  *  *  i  am  qUite  bewildered  when  I  think  of  all  my  eyes 

have  seen  to-day.  I  know  I  am  thankful  that  my  lot  has  not  been  cast 
here,  though  were  it  my  work  to  labor  among  these  people,  I  should 
earnestly  strive  to  raise  them  from  their  low  condition.  But  O,  how  un¬ 
able  should  we  be  to  do  this  work  without  the  aid  of  our  Heavenly 
Father!  ” 

Jan.  31st,  they  left  Alexandria,  going  by  rail  to  Cairo. 
Maria  seems  to  have  enjoyed  this  glimpse  of  the  country  very 
much.  She  was  enthusiastic  at  sight  of  the  Nile,  the  famous 
river  of  Egypt.  At  Cairo  they  remained  five  days,  which  were 
all  too  short  to  see  the  wonders  in  that  vicinity.  They  visited 
the  Heliopolis,  or  Temple  of  the  Sun,  the  beautiful  and  mys¬ 
terious  Pyramids,  and  other  renowned  places.  F elf!  5th  they 
went  by  rail  to  a  point  a  few  miles  distant  from  Suez,  where 
the  S.  S.  Deccan  was  awaiting  their  arrival.  Maria  speaks  of 
seeing  the  partially  completed  Suez  canal  in  the  distance,  also 
the  plain  where  the  Israelites  are  supposed  to  have  crossed  the 
Red  Sea.  Feb.  6th  they  were  fairly  under  way  on  the  waters 
of  the  Red  Sea,  and  the  day  following  she  commenced  the 
study  of  the  Assamese  language.  The  weather  grew  oppres¬ 
sively  warm  very  rapidly  as  they  advanced  into  the  tropics. 
At  Aden  she  records  a  delightful  moonlight  trip  into  the  city, 
and  notices  that  the  people  are  much  more  intelligent  and 
interesting  than  in  Egypt.  Feb.  nth,  they  entered  the  Indian 
Ocean,  and  reached  Ceylon  on  the  20th,  where  they  went  on 


i6 


shore  for  change  and  rest.  They  spent  two  delightful  days 
on  the  island  meeting  some  pleasant  Christian  people,  and  en¬ 
joying  the  charming  scenery.  They  reached  Madras  Feb. 
25th,  but  the  waves  were  running  so  high  they  did  not  go  on 
shore.  Maria  began  to  realize  that  she  was  really  in  the 
midst  of  Paganism,  and  her  heart’s  desire  was  to  reach  her 
journey’s  end  and  be  really  at  her  chosen  work.  As  soon  as 
the  sea  was  sufficiently  calm,  to  make  the  transit  safely,  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Cross  who  had  been  their  companions  thus  far  on 
the  long  journey,  left  them  for  the  Rangoon  steamer,  which 
would  take  them  to  their  field  of  labor  in  Burmah.  It  was 
hard  to  part  with  these  dear  friends,  but  they  were  cheered 
with  the  thought  that  soon  the  weary  voyage  would  be 
done,  and  the  dear  old  home  in  Assam  valley  be  reached. 
March  2nd,  they  reached  the  Sandheads,  and  took  in  the 
pilot  whose  duty  it  was  to  guide  the  ship  through  the 
treacherous  Hoogly  river  to  Calcutta.  This  is  a  dangerous 
and  difficult  piece  of  navigation,  but  a  kind  providence  watched 
over  our  travellers,  and  brought  them  in  safety  to  their  desti¬ 
nation.  We  will  let  Maria  tell  the  story  of  her  feelings  on 
their  arrival : 

“  About  four  p.  m.  we  neared  Calcutta.  The  pier  was  lined  with  those 
hoping  to  meet  their  friends.  Every  face  was  beaming  with  smiles.  I 
thought  if  I  could  see  the  dear  familiar  faces  from  ‘over  the  other  side’ 
waiting  to  welcome  me,  I  should  have  a  truly  happy  heart.  Yet  I  can 
say,  I  was  happy,  for  though  the  loved  ones  were  far  away,  there  was 
pleasure  in  the  thought  I  had  left  them  for  my  precious  Saviour!  ” 

They  were  not  without  warm  greetings  from  friends,  how¬ 
ever.  They  were  at  once  taken  to  the  charming  home  of  an 
old  and  dear  acquaintance,  where  they  enjoyed  the  most  gener¬ 
ous  hospitality  during  their  stav  in  the  city. 

March  14th,  Dr.  Bronson  and  Maria  started  on  the  last  stage 


i7 


of  their  long  journey.  They  went  by  rail  to  Goalundo  on  the 
Brahmaputra,  the  mighty  river  which  from  its  unknown 
source  far  beyond  the  Himalayas,  bursts  through  the  mount¬ 
ains,  and  rolls  its  resistless  flood  through  the  Assam  valle}^  to 
the  sea.  At  Golando  they  took  the  steamer  “  Punjaub,” 
Capt.  Elder.  Thirty  years  before,  the  missionaries  for  Assam 
made  the  journey  in  little  native  boats,  rowing  against  the 
strong  current,  but  the  finger  of  progress  has  touched  India 
after  her  sleep  of  centuries,  and  English  enterprise  has  intro¬ 
duced  many  of  the  comforts  and  conveniences  of  modern 
civilization. 

Our  travellers  had  a  very  pleasant  trip  up  the  river.  In 
her  journal  she  mentions  the  following  interesting  incident: 

“  We  anchored  near  a  native  villnge  called  J uggernaut  Gunge.  The 
jolly  boat  took  us  ashore.  We  followed  a  path  that  led  through  clumps 
of  bamboos,  mangoes  and  jack  trees.  Presently  one  of  the  villagers  met 
us  and  invited  us  to  a  musical  entertainment  in  honor  of  one  of  these 
gods,  we  soon  had  a  large  crowd  about  us,  looking  intently  at  the  white 
lady.  We  found  a  strange  looking  image,  to  whom  these  deluded  people 
were  paying  homage.  The  rude  band  commenced  their  discordant 
sounds,  when  two  gaily  dressed  women  began  to  dance.  I  was  shocktd 
at  their  lack  of  modesty.  Two  bright  little  boys  with  wonderful  voices, 
sang  at  intervals.  The  place  was  lighted  with  torches.  O  how  like  a 
savage  country  it  seemed  as  those  horrid  sounds  greeted  our  ears,  and 
we  looked  upon  those  crowds  of  half  naked  people.  They  treated  us 
with  great  respect,  and  took  much  pains  to  provide  us  with  seats.” 

She  thus  chronicles  her  entrance  into  Assam  proper:  u  W e 
are  leaving  the  dreary  plains,  and  coming  right  on  to  the 
grand  hills.  The  scenery  here  is  beautiful.  We  anchored  at 
a  most  romantic  place,  high  hills  on  one  side  and  a  plain  on 
the  other.”  Near  Gowalpara,  Dr.  Bronson  had  the  pleasure 
of  meeting  his  life-long  friend  and  missionary  associate,  Dr. 
Stoddard,  in  whose  family  the  little  Frances  Jane  was  left, 
when  the  parents  brought  the  other  children  to  America,  a 


i8 


score  of  years  before.  Maria  speaks  of  the  joy  of  this  reunion 
of  the  veteran  laborers.  Dr.  Stoddard  went  on  with  them 
until  they  met  the  down  steamer.  At  Gowhati,  where  they 
spent  twenty-four  hours,  the  native  Christians  were  overjoyed 
at  seeing  their  beloved  teacher  once  more,  and  welcomed  his 
daughter  with  tears  mingled  with  smiles  of  joy,  and  seemed  to 
transfer  to  her  the  affection  they  had  felt  for  the  mother,  who 
could  never  return  to  them.  At  Koliabor  they  left  the  Pun- 
jaub  and  the  Brahmaputra,  and  proceeded  to  Nowgong,  which 
is  situated  thirty-two  miles  distant  on  the  banks  of  the  Kullung. 
The  rest  of  the  journey  must  be  made  on  the  backs  of  elephants. 
This  was  a  new  experience  to  Maria.  She  describes  it  in  her 
journal  as  follows: 

“  At  half-past  three  we  started  for  Nowgong.  I  was  surprised  to  find 
such  a  good  road  through  the  jungle.  Were  not  a  bridge  wanted  here 
and  there  we  might  take  the  journey  in  a  carriage.  I  really  enjoyed  the 
ride  on  the  back  of  our  monster  elephant.  Then  we  had  a  nice  fresh 
breeze  and  the  motion  was  not  at  all  hard.  All  that  was  needed  was  a  little 
change  to  break  the  monotony.  Most  of  the.  way  was  through  jungle. 
We  passed  through  the  pleasantest  part  of  our  ride  after  dark,  so  I  could 
not  enjoy  the  scenery.  At  the  half-way  bridge  we  stopped  a  few  moments, 
for  rest  and  refreshments.  Here  we  met  a  well-educated  native,  a  Deist. 
Papa  had  a  plain  talk  with  him,  and  as  he  understood  English,  I  could 
say  a  few  words  to  him  of  the  Saviour.  Thus  I  have  tried  to  begin  my 
work  for  Jesus.  May  the  seed  spring  up,  and  be  the  means  of  bringing 
this  poor  deluded  one  to  the  foot  of  the  cross!  The  native  Christians 
came  -to  meet  us,  so  our  company  formed  quite  a  procession. 

“It  was  nearly  ten  before  we  arrived  at  Nowgong.  We  received  the 
warmest  of  welcomes  from  dear  Mrs.  Scott.” 

Thus  the  long  journey  began  Dec.  15th,  was  ended  March 
28th,  and  Maria  found  herself  in  the  old  home  from  which  she 
had  gone  out,  a  little  child.  There  were  the  trees  which  her 
father  had  planted  upon  the  birth  of  each  daughter.  Every¬ 
where  were  memorials  of  the  mother  whose  faithful  work  had 
for  so  many  years  been  done  in  this  spot.  The  native  Christians 


l9 


i 


met  them  with  emotions  of  joy  and  sorrow.  Sorrow  for  the 
one  that  was  not,  and  joy,  that  once  more  they  were  to  have 
the  instruction  of  their  revered  “  Bronson  salib,”  and  that 
u  Maria  Baba”  had  come  to  take  her  mother’s  place.  Many 
of  the  older  ones  remembered  her.  Among  them,  her  old 
“  Ayah,”  or  nurse,  who  had  cared  for  her  in  infancy,  though 
infirm  and  feeble,  came  tottering  in  to  see  her  child.  She 
writes,  under  date  of  March  29th,  1870: 

“  My  first  Sabbath  in  my  new  field  of  labor.  It  has  been  a  happy  one 
with  me,  though  a  great  contrast  to  the  many  pleasant  ones  which  have 
been  spent  in  dear  America.  At  eight  this  morning,  with  the  English 
residents,  seventeen  in  all,  we  met  in  the  chapel  for  worship.  Papa 
preached  a  beautiful  sermon,  which  I  feel  must  do  good.  He  alluded 
very  touchingly  at  the  close  to  his  return,  and  the  bereavments  which 
we  had  sustained.  At  eleven  a.  m.  he  preached  again  in  Assamese. 
Nearly  one  hundred  present.  I  was  glad  to  see  such  good  attention. 
This  p.  m.  the  S.  S.  classes  met  at  the  Bungalow.  I  am  to  have  a  few 
who  understand  English.  This  eve  we  had  a  prayer-meeting  with  the 
native  Christians.  My  thoughts  have  been  much  with  the  dear  ones  at 
home.  I  feel  sure  they  have  remembered  us  at  the  mercy-seat.” 

The  above  extract  from  her  journal  will  give  an  idea  of  the 
Sabbath  routine  in  the  mission  stations.  In  a  letter  dated 
May  20th,  1S70,  written  to  her  sister  in  Chicago,  she  says: 

“  I  began  the  second  book  in  Assamese  yesterday.  I  enjoy  the  study 
of  the  language.  I  can  say  a  few  sentences,  and  begin  to  understand  a 
little. that  is  said.  O,  how  I  long  to  talk!  I  can  then  accomplish  so 
much  more.  The  people  seem  delighted  when  they  hear  me  using  a  new 
word.” 

It  will  be  seen  from  this  that  Miss  Bronson  made  rapid  pro¬ 
gress  in  acquiring  the  language.  It  has  been  remarked  that 
the  children  of  missionaries,  who  have  spoken  several  tongues 
when  small,  show  a  wonderful  facility  in  the  mastery  of 
languages,  when  older.  As  in  this,  and  many  other  cases,  they 
may  have  quite  forgotten  all  the  tongues  spoken  in  childhood 


20 


except  the  English,  but  their  talent  as  linguists  makes  itself 
evident  in  maturer  life. 

A  few  months  later  she  writes  to  a  friend:  “I  am  happy 
and  contented  for  I  find  much  to  do.  The  days  are  too  short 
even  in  India  to  accomplish  all  the  duties  planned.  It  is  nearly 
a  year  since  we  arrived  here,  and  it  seems  the  shortest  year  of 
my  life.”  This  sentence  gives  us  the  key  note  of  her  earnest 
enthusiastic  missionary  life.  She  literally  gave  herself ,  body 
and  soul  to  her  work,  and  while  greatly  interested  in  the 
general  and  zenana  work  her  especial  charge  was  the  Now- 
gong  girl’s  school.  It  was  established  by  her  mother,  in  1844, 
and  thus  came  to  her  as  a  legacy  from  the  departed.  She 
loved  it  as  the  apple  of  her  eye,  and  its  success  must  be  attrib¬ 
uted  to  her  untiring,  devoted  labor.  During  the  year  1871, 
Mrs.  Scott  left  Nowgong  to  assist  in  the  the  work  at  Gow- 
hati.  Maria  missed  her  and  the  three  little  ones  sadly.  It 
seemed  as  if  a  large  share  of  the  light  and  sunshine  had  gone 
out  of  the  home.  A  few  months  later  Mrs.  F.  A.  Danforth 
formerly ‘connected  with  the  mission,  arrived  from  America 
and  soon  after  was  united  to  Dr.  Bronson  in  marriage. 

In  1873,  Miss  Bronson’s  support  was  assumed  by  the 
“  Woman’s  Baptist  Missionary  Society  of  the  West,”  and 
henceforth  she  was  one  of  its  missionaries.  But  she  was  much 
worn  with  her  three  years  of  incessant  labor,  and  now,  that 
Mrs.  Bronson  was  there  to  care  for  the  girl’s  school,  and  the 
other  departments  which  Maria  had.  superintended,  she  took  a 
little  respite  and  visited  Mrs.  Scott  at  Gowhati.  On  her  returm 
she  wrote  her  sister  Dec.  14,  1873: 

“I  am  at  dear  old  Nowgong  once  more,  after  an  absence  of  a  little 
more  than  four  months.  The  last  two  months  I  was  able  to  help  Mrs. 
Scott  some  in  her  girl’s  school  and  zenana  work,  but  my  strength  did 


21 


not  allow  me  to  do  all  that  my  heart  prompted.  I  am  deeply  interested 
in  the  work  that  is  being  done  at  Gowhatti,  and  trust  it  is  but  the  begin¬ 
ning  of  brighter  days  for  that  hardened  place. 

“I  spent  twelve  pleasant  days  in  the  mission  boat.  The  first  Sabbath 
we  were  in  a  large  Hindoo  village,  where  the  ‘  Gongbura’  received  me 
very  kindly.  I  had  with  me  th  ee  of  our  native  Christians,  one  of  whom 
is  now  ready  to  teach  and  to  preach.  We  went  to  the  head  man’s  house, 
where  we  found  the  people  from  far  and  near,  assembled  for  a  feast.  We 
spent  some  time  talking  and  singing  with  them.  I  think  I  never  felt 
happier  in  my  life,  than  while  trying  to  tell  these  poor  ignorant  ones  the 
story  of  the  cross.  They  listened  with  deep  attention,  and  I  prayed  that 
some  poor  soul  might  feel  the  truth,  and  seek  to  know  more  of  our  blessed 
religion.  In  the  evening  the  women  gathered  around  my  boat.  I  tried 
to  gain  their  confidence,  at  first,  by  asking  them  about  their  children  and 
their  homes.  When  they  saw  I  wished  to  be  their  friend,  they  answered 
my  questions  readily,  and  began  to  ply  me  Avitb  innumerable  inquiries, 
which  opened  the  way  for  me  to  speak  of  the  things  that  lay  nearest  my 
heart.  Poor  creatures !  So  ignorant  and  so  full  of  superstition !  They 
say:  ‘  Why  should  -women  learn  to  read?  Why  should  they  forsake  the 
customs  and  religion  of  their  fathers?  Ram  would  save  them  from 
danger.’ 

“The  alligators  were  numerous  around  the  sand-bank  where  we  were 
stopping.  I  asked  if  they  ever  carried  off  their  people?  ‘Oyes!’  they 
replied  ;  but  we  throw  into  the  river  an  offering  to  the  river  deities,  and 
Ave  have  no  more  fear.  I  found  one  of  these  offerings,  and  had  my  men 
draw  it  to  shore.  It  Avas  made  of  the  plaintain  tree  and  covered  with 
flowers.  Inside  were  two  white  pigeons,  with  feathers  dyed  red,  living 
on  the  rice  which  nearly  filled  the  tiny  boat.  I  brought  the  little  creatures 
home.  I  stopped  at  a  place  called  Jah  Ghaut  the  next  Saturday.  There 
were  thriving  villages  on  both  sides  of  the  river.  I  sent  Avord  to  the 
people  that  I  would  visit  them  the  next  day.  Old  men  came  around  my 
boat  to  ask  after  their  old  Sahib,  (papa.)  They  gladly  welcomed  his 
daughter  and  seemed  pleased  that  I  was  willing  to  go  to  their  houses. 
But  what  was  my  disappointment  to  wake  early  Sabbath  morning  and 
find  it  raining  hard.  We  had  not  expected  rain  at  this  season  of  the  year, 
so  the  best  cover  was  not  Avater-proof  and  my  bed  and  luggage  were  be 
coming  Avet,  and  not  daring  to  risk  my  health,  I  made  my  way  reluctant¬ 
ly  homeward.  The  dear  ones  were  at  chapel.  The  first  sound  that 
greeted  my  ears,  was  the  sweet  hymn  of  praise  sung  by  our  native  con¬ 
gregation.  I  rejoice  to  be  once  more  with  this  band  of  disciples  in  our 
station.  Home  never  looked  pleasanter  to-me.” 

She  was  much  encouraged  soon  after  her  return  by  the 
visit  of  the  Government  Inspector  of  Schools,  who  seemed 


22 


greatly  pleased  with  the  way  in  which  she  conducted  her 
Girl’s  school.  He  wrote  a  very  flattering  commendation  in 
the  “  visitor’s  book,”  and  what  was  better  promised  to  secure 
a  “grant-in-aid,”  as*  soon  as  practicable.  It  is  pleasant  to 
record  that  he  was  as  good  as  his  word,  and  the  help  thus  re¬ 
ceived  enabled  her  to  carry  out  more  fully  her  plans  for  the 
school.  He  also  sent  her  a  present  of  forty  rupees,  which 
assistance  was  most  timely. 

She  thus  pleads  the  cause  of  this  cherished  object  of  her 
affections  in  a  letter  written  to  her  friends  in  Chicago: 

“  Can  you  not  help  us  in  some  little  way  to  make  our  new  school-house 
attractive?  We  would  like  to  have  some  pictures  to  help  us  teach  the 
little  ones.  What  I  want  most  of  all  is  a  whole  series  of  large  colored 
Bible  pictures,  and  also  pictures  illustrating  Pilgrims  Progress ,  and  pic¬ 
tures  of  birds,  beasts,  and  any  others  that  we  could  use  in  object  teaching. 
We  should  have  all  these  hung  on  the  walls.  How  nice  it  would  be  if 
friends  could  give  us  these  things,  with  large-sized  slates,  and  all  sorts  of 
stationai'y.  I  want  the  pictures  very  much.  I  will  also  beg  for  the 
sewing  and  fancy-work  department,  which  interests  our  women  and 
girls.  You  know  what  is  found  useful  in  a  work  like  ours.  Dont  call 
me  troublesome,  will  you?  I  am  not  begging  for  myself,  but  for  the 
cause  I  lover 

Thus  passed  four  happy  years,  full  of  labor  for  Christ  and 
perishing  souls.  The  work  of  those  years  cannot  be  better 
summed  up  than  in  the  words  of  her  sister,  in  the  sketch  writ¬ 
ten  for  the  C|  Helping  Hand  ”  soon  after  her  death: 

“  Her  natural  energy,  her  hopefulness,  and  her  strong  will,  all  served 
her  in  planning  and  carrying  forward  her  work.  She  saw  before  her,  not 
the  lost,  the  wretchedly  undone,  but  God’s  chosen  ones,  who  were  to 
become  His  open  followers.  She  never  saw  giants  in  the  way, but  rather 
the  ‘angel  of  His  presence’  who  has  said,  ‘  Lo,  I  am  with  you  always.’ 
Four  years  she  went  about  from  house  to  house,  or  taught  in  her  school, 
and  by  the  purity  and  beauty  of  her  life,  as  well  as  by  her  direct  teach¬ 
ings,  won  souls  to  Jesus,  and  raised  many  dull  and  listless  ones  to  higher 
aims.  She  had  the  affectionate  regard  and  the  highest  esteem  of  her 
pupils,  and  of  the  Zenana  women.  God  seemed  to  give  her  the  heart  of 
every  one  with  whom  she  came  in  contact.” 


23 


But  the  shadow  of  coming  change  settled  slowly  upon  the 
Nowgong  home.  Soon  after  her  arrival,  Mrs.  Bronson’s 
health  began  to  show  signs  of  failing,  very  gradually,  but  in¬ 
sidiously,  did  disease  fasten  itself  upon  her,  until  consumption 
ended  the  life  story.  But,  with  the  usual  deceitful  character 
of  the  malady,  the  invalid  herself  was  the  last  to  see  the  hope¬ 
lessness  of  her  case.  It  was  at  last  decided  that  she  should  go 
to  Calcutta  for  medical  advice  and  treatment.  She  begged 
earnestly  that  her  husband  should  not  leave  his  work  to  go 
with  her,  saying:  “  I  came  to  India  to  help,  not  to  hinder.” 
Maria  was  about  to  go  to  Calcutta  to  make  some  necessary 
purchases,  and  attend  to  some  pressing  business.  Mrs.  Bron¬ 
son  insisted  that  she  should  go  by  rail  from  Goalundo  as  first 
proposed,  to  save  her  valuable  time,  while  she  herself  would 
take  the  longer  route  by  river  all  the  way,  hoping  that  the 
fresh  breezes  and  quiet  travel  would  restore  the  wasted 
energies.  The  family  were  reluctant  to  have  her  go  any  part' 
of  the  way  alone,  but  her  distress  at  any  change  in  their  plans 
was  so  evident,  that  they  at  last  acceded  to  her  wishes;  Dr. 
Bronson  staying  alone  in  the  home  at  Nowgong,  with  the 
neighbors  as  missionary  associates,  and  Maria  going  by  rail 
from  Goalundo  to  Calcutta. 

She  reached  the  city  quite  a  little  in  advance  of  Mrs.  Bron¬ 
son,  who,  on  her  arrival,  went  directly  to  Miss  Seelye’s  sani¬ 
tarium.  Maria  was  shocked  at  the  change  in  her  appearance, 
although  Mrs.  Bronson  herself  could  not  realize  she  was  really 
worse.  But  she  failed  so  rapidly  that  the  physicians  ordered 
her  off  at  once  for  a  sea  voyage  to  Singapore,  summoning 
Maria  to  accompany  her.  She  had  less  than  twenty-four 
hours  to  arrange  for  this  unexpected  change  in  her  plans,  but 


24 


with  her  usual  energy  and  efficiency  she  was  ready  at  the  ap¬ 
pointed  hour. 

During  the  first  few  days  at  sea,  the  invalid  rallied  con¬ 
siderably  and  became  quite  confident  that  she  would  return 
sufficiently  restored  to  health,  to  take  up  her  work  once  more. 
Maria’s  letters  give  the  incidents  of  the  voyage,  the  calls  at 
Rangoon  and  Maulmain  on  their  way  out,  where  they  had 
delightful  meetings  with  missionary  friends.  The  improve¬ 
ment  in  Mrs.  Bronson’s  condition  Avas  transient,  and  her 
strength  failed  day  by  day.  As  they  neared  Rangoon  on  the 
return  voyage  it  became  evident  that  Mrs.  Bronson  could  not 
live  to  reach  Calcutta.  With  great  difficulty  she  was  con¬ 
veyed  on  shore  to  the  home  of  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Stevens.  Maria 
speaks  with  the  deepest  gratitude  of  the  tender  sympathy  and 
care  and  help  of  the  missionaries  here.  All  that  lay  in  the 
power  of  human  love  and  kindness  was  done.  Death  came  at 
last  to  the  weary  sufferer,  and  she  passed  away  in  perfect 
peace  on  Tuesday,  Feb.  3rd,  1874. 

The  last  sad  offices  for  the  dear  departed  having  been  per¬ 
formed,  Maria  prepared  to  take  up  the  lonely  homeward 
way.  But  she  was  mentally  and  physically  exhausted,  and 
this  exhaustion  prepared  the  way  for  the  sad  event  which  soon 
followed. 

Dr.  Bronson  came  down  to  Calcutta  expecting  to  meet  his 
wife  and  daughter  on  their  return.  He  was  confronted  with 
the  telegram  telling  of  his  wife’s  death  and  burial  at  Rangoon. 
The  shock  to  him  was  terrible,  as  may  be  imagined.  He 
looked  so  feeble  that  Maria  feared  they  must  start  for  America 
at  once.  But  under  the  sunshine  of  her  presence,  and  tender 
ministrations,  he  rallied  again.  Although  so  worn  by  the  ex- 


25 


periences  through  which  she  had  been  passing  she  gave  her¬ 
self  little  time  for  rest.  She  was  impatient  to  return  to  her 
beloved  school,  and  her  mind  was  filled  with  plans  for  its  im¬ 
proved  management.  When  they  were  ready  to  return  Dr. 
Bronson  insisted  that  they  go  all  the  way  by  the  river  to  give 
Maria  some  opportunity  for  the  rest  and  recuperation  she  so 
evidently  needed.  She  seemed  to  enjoy  the  trip  very  much, 
and  to  gain  vigor  daily. 

We  have  before  us  the  last  letter  (so  far  as  known)  written 
by  her  pen.  It  is  full  of  sad  interest  on  that  account  and  also 
because  it  shews  the  eager  anticipations  never  to  be  realized. 
We  give  a  portion,  dated  March  8th,  1874: 

“  The  last  days  in  Calcutta  were  such  busy  ones  I  could  not  write  let¬ 
ters.  We  came  on  board  the  “  Raj  Mahal  ”  just  one  week  ago.  Instead 
of  taking  the  rail  to  Goal  undo  we  have  came  all  the  way  from  Calcutta 
by  steamer.  We  shall  have  gone  through  some  thirty-four  rivers  before 
we  get  into  the  great  Brahmaputra.  It  is  only  yesterday  that  we  left  the 
‘  Sunderbunds  ’  beautitul  forests  or  tree  jungles  where  there  are  no 
human  beings;  nothing  but  wild  beasts.  We  shall  probably  leave  the 
steamer  at  Koliabor  about  the  20th,  and  there  have  two  days  journey, 
through  the  country  to  our  old  home.” 

The  old  home,”  alas !  was  never  to  receive  the  light  of 
her  presence.  The  busy  earnest  life  closed  suddenly,  and 
Maria  Bronson  was  not  for  God  took  her.  The  story  of  her 
brief  illness  and  unexpected  death  can  best  be  told  in  the  words 
of  her  stricken  father: 

“  The  rest  and  quiet  seemed  to  do  Maria  much  good.  On  the  morning 
of  the  18th  of  March  she  complained  of  slight  nausea.  At  breakfast  time 
she  had  fallen  asleep,  and  I  did  not  waken  her.  About  noon  she  grew 
worse.  I  called  a  native  doctor,  who  was  very  attentive,  but  medicine 
was  of  no  avail.  Soon  terrible  cramps  set  in;  her  eyes  were  sunken,  her 
voice  unnatural  ;  and  I  knew  by  these  unmistakable  symptoms  that  our 
dear  Maria  had  that  fearful  disease,  cholera,  in  its  worst  form.  The  lady- 
passengers  on  board  the  “Raj  Mahal”  did  all  in  their  power  to  relieve 
her,  but  the  disease  went  relentlessly  on.  ‘Shall  I  recover?  ’  was  her 


26 


earnest  inquiry  of  the  native  physician.  He  made  no  reply.  Again  she 
asked,  ‘Shall  I  recover?’  I  then  said,  ‘My  daughter  you  are  very  ill. 
We  hope  you  may  recover  ;  but  should  it  be  God’s  will  that  you  do  not, 
has  death  any  terror?’  She  whispered,  ‘No.’ — ‘Is  the  Saviour  with 
you?’ — ‘Yes.’ — ‘  Have  you  any  messages  for  your  sisters,  your  foster- 
mother,  or  your  school-girls?  ’  She  gave  me  an  earnest,  loving  look, 
and  said,  ‘  I  cannot  talk.’ 

“We  reached  Gawalpara,  landing  about  sundown.  I  sent  immediately 
for  Bro.  Keith  and  the  European  surgeon.  They'  had  to  travel  eight 
miles,  and  did  not  reach  us  until  nearly  midnight,  too  late.  In  about 
half  an  hour  after  their  arrival,  she  sweetly  slept  in  Jesus.  As  I  stood 
by  the  lifeless  form  of  my  dear  child,  in  that  lonely  cabin,  Jesus’  sweet 
words  came  with  power  to  my  mind,  ‘  What  I  do,  thou  knowest  not 
now,  but  thou  shalt  know  hereafter.’  I  felt  to  give  up  my  dear  child, 
my  only  companion  and  comfort  in  my  desolate  home  in  this  dark  land, 
and  I  wish  to  tell  you,  to  the  praise  and  honor  of  His  name,  that  under 
this  double  bereavment  I  have  been  sustained  and  comforted.” 

Owing  to  the  extreme  heat,  and  the  nature  of  the  disease,  it 
was  imperative  that  the  burial  take  place  as  soon  as  possible. 
Besides,  the  steamer  could  not  long  delay ;  so  in  the  night 
hours  a  coffin  was  hastily  constructed,  and  in  the  early  morn¬ 
ing  the  last  remains  of  Maria  Bronson  were  taken  on  shore, 
the  officers  and  passengers  following  in  the  procession  to  the 
foot  of  the  hill  upon  which  Gowalpara  is  situated.  Then  they 
turned  back,  leaving  the  stricken  father,  accompanied  only  by 
the  station  physician,  to  go  on  his  desolate  way  with  his  dead. 
Six  wild  Garo  hill  men  served  as  bearers.  A  grave  had  been 
dug  in  the  beautiful  cemetery  overlooking  the  Brahmaputra. 
Bro.  Keith  was  not  there,  so  the  bereaved,  agonized  father 
offered  the  last  prayer  over  the  coffin  of  his  idolized  child, 
committing  “  ashes  to  ashes,  dust  to  dust,”  with  no  near  and 
dear  earthly  friend  at  hand  to  comfort  and  console  him.  Only 
Jesus,  in  invisible  presence,  stood  by  the  solitary  mourner  that 
morning  on  Gowalpara  hill,  breathing  His  own  loving  con¬ 
solation  into  the  striken  heart.  When  the  news  of  her  death 


27 


was  received  it  fell  as  a  terrible  blow  upon  Assam.  Especially 
at  Nowgong  they  were  looking  forward  to  her  return  in  a 
very  few  days,  and  their  great  joy  was  by  this  providence 
turned  into  bitter  mourning.  Mrs.  Neighbor  writes: 

“  The  news  came  like  a  thunder-clap  to  us  yesterday  morning.  The 
light  seemed  to  go  out  of  everything,  for  we  loved  Miss  Bronson  as  a 
dear  sister.  Every  one  here  feels  her  death  very  sorely.  When  my 
husband  spoke  of  it  after  service  yesterday,  there  were  few  dry  eyes,  the 
women  sobbing  aloud.  When  I  met  her  school-girls  in  my  Sabbath 
school  class  in  the  afternoon,  they  were  all  in  tears,  and  during  the 
conversation  cried  as  if  their  hearts  would  break.  This  morning  they 
said  they  never  wanted  to  go  to  school  again,  since  the  teacher  had  gone 
from  them. 

“  Our  dear  sister  had  a  kind,  winning  way  with  children,  and  she  had 
won  all  hearts.  She  was  devoted  to  her  school,  esteeming  it  a  pleasure 
to  have  her  girls  with  her,  while  they,  on  their  part,  were  longing  for  her 
return.” 

Can  we  picture  to  our  minds  the  desolation  of  the  station, 
the  loneliness  of  the  home  whence  two  had  gone  out,  expect¬ 
ing  to  return,  but  whose  footsteps  would  never  more  cross  the 
threshold;  the  school  without  a  teacher;  the  Bible-readers 
left  without  their  leader? 

At  home  the  news  brought  a  terrible  shock,  not  only  to  the 
foster-mother,  the  sisters  and  other  relatives,  but  to  all  con¬ 
nected  with  the  “Society  of  the  West.”  It  was  the  first  break 
made  in  the  ranks  of  the  workers  on  the  field  by  death,  and 
many  tears  fell  at  the  thought  of  that  new  made  grave  in  far 
off  Assam.  Even  in  dying  she  served  the  cause  she  so  loved; 
for  other  earnest  young  souls  were  led  by  it  to  consecrate 
themselves  to  the  work  of  missions. 

A  beautiful  poem,  suggested  by  the  death  of  the  two,  so 
near  together  in  point  of  time,  but  whose  mortal  remains  rest 
in  such  widely  different  places,  was  written  for  the  Helping 
Hand  by  Miss  E.  W.  Brown,  daughter  of  our  venerable  mis- 


28 


sionary  Rev.  Nathan  Brown,  D.D.  We  give  the  poem 
entire. 

SCATTERED  GRAVES. 


The  sacred  river’s  silvery  mist 
Is  by  the  morning  sunshine  kissed; 

But  dark  the  rushing  wave  below, 

As  one  is  borne  against  its  flow, 

Who  wist  not  yester-morn  ’twould  be 
Her  day -break  of  eternity. 

Closed  are  those  eyes  of  liquid  light, 

In  starless,  unawakening  night. 

Not  e’en  a  father’s  anguish  now 
Can  call  back  life  to  lips  or  brow; 

Nor  the  high  work  her  spirit  chose 
Awake  her  from  this  long  repose. 

Her  work  is  done.  On  distant  shore, 

Dear  dying  eyes  seek  hers  no  more; 

From  home,  from  kindred  far,  she  kept 
Love’s  vigil,  till  her  sufferer  slept; 

In  its  last  clasp  the  cold  hand  pressed, 

Then  laid  the  sainted  to  her  rest. 

Her  own,  how  near!  Death’s  shadowy  wing 
O’er  watched  and  watcher  hovering  ; 

While  in  that  soft  and  hallowed  light 
Her  soul  grew  ready  for  its  flight, 

Stayed  but  to  cheer  the  mourner’s  heart, 
Then  heard  the  summons,  “  Child,  depart.” 

Now  to  its  grave  that  dust  so  dear 
Is  borne  by  savage  mountaineer; 

With  troubled  voice  the  man  of  God 
Commits  her  to  her  native  sod, 

Then,  doubly  stricken,  bows  his  head, 
Alone  with  sorrow  and  his  dead. 

Nay,  not  alone!  God’s  angels  keep 
H  is  watch  o’er  those  who  wake  and  sleep; 
E’en  death,  through  his  providing  care, 

Will  plant  the  seed  whose  fruitage  fair 
Of  ransomed  souls  in  years  to  come 
Shall  swell  the  reapers’  “  Harvest  home.” 


29 


Yet,  land  bereaved,  beloved!  for  thee  v 
Thy  children’s  tears  fall  silently. 

The  sickle  dropped,  the  grain  unbound 
Stands  whitening  all  the  fertile  ground, 
While  scattered  laborers,  strong  in  faith, 
Toil  on,  through  suffering,  unto  death. 

Oh,  shall  the  anguish  and  the  tears, 

The  martyr-lives  of  other  years, 

Whose  agony  of  sold  was  given 
To  lift  thy  souls  from  hell  to  heaven, 

Bring  forth  their  future  fruit  in  naught 
But  tender  memory,  reverent  thought? 

No!  The  dear  ashes  scattered  wide 
By  Orient  and  by  western  tide, 

Cry, '“Speed  the  torch  from  hand  to  hand, 
Till  hut  and  fane  illumined  stand; 

Till  warrior,  priest  and  devotee 
In  one  glad  worship  bend  the  knee.” 

And  let  the  sound  of  Sabbath  bell 
Over  thy  mountain  barriers  swell, 

Till  eastward  meet  and  westward  wave, 
And  in  far  isle  and  desert  cave 
That  faith  be  held,  that  praise  be  sung, 
Which  know  no  bounds  of  clime  or  tongue. 


A  monument  has  been  erected  over  Maria’s  grave,  bearing 
the  following  inscription : 

MARIA  BRONSON  COTES, 

Beloved  daughter  of 
Rev.  Miles  Bronson,  D.D., 

Missionary  of  the 

American  Baptist  Missionary  Union. 

She  died  of  Cholera  at  Gowalpara 
On  her  way  from  Calcutta  to  Nowgong,  March  18th,  1S74. 

Aged  33  years,  1  month,  and  26  days. 

This  monument  is  erected  by  her  bereaved  Father  and 
affectionate  Foster-Mother,  who,  with  a  large 
circle  of  relatives  and  friends,  deeply 

mourn  her  loss.  v 

“  Precious  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord 
is  the  death  of  His  saints.” 

Ps.  116:  15. 

The  grave,  with  its  crowning  monument,  can  be  seen  from 
all  the  steamers  ascending  or  descending  the  Brahmaputra. 
Thank  God!  Maria  Bronson  sleeps  in  a  Christian  cemetery, 
where  her  tomb  will  be  guarded  and  kept  in  safety.  She 
might  have  died  in  the  wild  and  lonely  “  Sunderbunds,” 
through  which  they  had  just  passed,  where  her  grave  would 
be  at  the  mercy  of  wild  beasts.  .  But  God  cares  for  Ilis  own, 
and  though  she  sleeps  far  away  from  home,  and  kindred,  yet 
her  dust  will  be  held  as  a  precious  legacy  by  the  native  Christ¬ 
ians  of  Assam. 

Sleep,  sweet  sister!  After  life’s  fitful  fever,  sleep  well !  A 
sainted  mother  watched  for  thy  coming,  Now,  in  the  fields  of 
Paradise,  watch  for  our  coming  feet!  Till  then  we  say,  “Hail! 
and  Farewell!” 


3i 


“  My  God,  I  would  not  coldly  offer  Thee 
The  withered  hue  of  feelings’  flower, 

The  fragment  of  a  passing  hour, — 

Gifts  which  have  nothing  cost  to  me. 

But,  looking  down  into  my  heart, 

Whatever  treasure  it  hath  hidden  deep- 
Whatever  talent  it  would  strive  to  keep, 

With  these,  to  Thee,  O  God,  I  part. 

I  should  not  dare  to  bring  affections  blighted, 

By  the  rude  blasts  of  worldliness  and  pride, 

Nor  lay  a  worn-out  heart  the  earth  had  slighted, 

Upon  the  altar  of  the  Crucified. 

But  in  Life’s  dewy  hours,  when  hope  is  on  the  wing, 

My  love,  myself,  my  all,  to  Thee  I  bring.” 

1 

(Taken  from  Miss  Bronson’s  Commonplace  Book.) 


DATE  DUE 

SEP  1  §  7‘ 

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GAYLORD 

PRINTED  JN  U  S  A. 

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